‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ and Family

When you consider the destiny of the Skywalker family, you wonder what the word “rise” in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker means.

Let’s think back.

So far, the Skywalker family has failed.

Given the word “rise” and the trajectory of the Skywalkers‘ story so far, you must ask:

Is it a family redemption story?

Anakin Skywalker obviously failed, destroying the Jedi Order in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and altering the fate of the galaxy far, far away in his descent in becoming Darth Vader.

Luke Skywalker failed, giving into anger in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi to attack his own father. And worse, the new Jedi Order he was building fell apart because of his inability, as seen in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, to control his anger with Ben Solo.

And Solo destroyed the Jedi Order as his grandfather did after Luke thought about killing him. (Half of Solo’s blood is Skywalker blood through his mother, Leia Organa Skywalker.)

Darkness, violence and destruction have primarily been the consequence of the actions of Skywalker family.

They’ve fundamentally damaged the galaxy — for the worse.

Thus, you must think that The Rise of Skywalker will indicate a radical change, a miracle in being a change from the developed pattern of behavior.

Many possibilities are out there as to what The Rise of Skywalker means. A family redemption story for the Skywalkers may not have the bells and whistles that the supernatural offers storytelling, but it could be emotionally satisfying — and thus, an even better story.

Check out the trailer for The Rise of Skywalker below. We only have to wait that much longer. The film hits on Dec. 20. We got more about the movie at the 2019 Disney D23 Expo. Check out our Star Wars coverage of the event and more about the franchise.

Rey readies herself in a “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” teaser. (Disney/Lucasfilm)

About The Author

At nine years old, Rhett Wilkinson wrote stories about Han Solo & Princess Leia's son Ben Solo, so he's waiting for Disney to pay up! Rhett is the owner of Hero's Journey Content and author of "'Star Wars' Is Still Intact: Re-finding Yourself in the Age of Trump." His work has been seen in USA TODAY, ESPN & the Pew Forum. He also was a screenwriter for the theatrical production "Before Your Time" and is a survivor of abuse. Reach him on Twitter @rhettrites.